Belated congratulations to Dover Town Hall on the award of planning permission for the proposed £9 million redevelopment of the Grade I-listed medieval and neo-gothic building Maison Dieu, which will include essential conservation work as well as the re-instatement of hugely significant William Burges decorations.

We were delighted to continue our investigations and recording of the historic paint schemes over the last two summers, working with Haverstock and Rena Pitsilli Graham Architects for Dover District Council, to assist with formulating the conservation policy and informing options for representation.

In 2016 we undertook initial paint research which was used to support a successful application to upgrade the building’s listing status to Grade I. Further sampling, analysis and much more extensive opening up has allowed a far greater understanding the layout of schemes and use of colour, as well as determining the practicality/feasibility of large scale revealing of original decoration. This work supported the Development Phase Round Two NLHF application submitted in March 2020, and we wish the team the best of luck in securing their grant.

For more information and the latest news on the restoration project, see twitter.com/dovermaisondieu